Frank Castaldini of Coldwell Banker wasn't sure what to think the first time he walked through 192 Bonview St. The layout of the tri-level Victorian home was boxy and dark. The structure itself was suffering from deferred maintenance. The backyard was an afterthought.

"It had Victorian charm; the owner always had plans to do something with it, and when the market evolved and improved, he was able to," Castaldini said. The revitalized four-bedroom home is now available for $1.399 million.

Castaldini, who's been selling real estate in Bernal Heights for the last seven years and specializes in the neighborhood, consulted with the owner to reimagine the entire house. The interior was gutted, and a cramped layout on the main floor was replaced with a spacious great room integrating the kitchen, living and dining rooms. Hardwood decks were added off the back of the house at every level to blend the indoors and out.

Past a small foyer on the main level, the home opens to a light-filled great room boasting hardwood, marble and glass tile finishes. Recessed lights are built into the high ceiling and the space flows to a chef's kitchen with wooden cabinets and a polished chrome faucet.

Finding finishes that would complement each other and the space was crucial to the redesign, Castaldini said.

"You have the gray marble and glass backsplashes with blue and gray glass tiles," he said. "We found a Tiffany lamp for the dining room that pretty much has the same kind of glass tile as in the kitchen, so your eyes bounce back and forth and see the connection."

French doors open the space further, leading to an elevated deck overlooking the yard and a landscape where surrounding rooftops mimic a watercolor painting and California poppies dot hillsides.

A master suite dominates the lower level, which also includes large closets, storage spaces and a laundry room. The suite itself opens to the patio and backyard, where four large redwood trees help create a private setting.

Three more bedrooms are found on the top level, as well as a bathroom with a soaking tub, dual sinks and shower. The bedroom at the rear of the home opens to the top-floor deck with views of Twin Peaks and downtown San Francisco, while the front bedroom has two large windows and a custom closet.

Those bedrooms also include vaulted ceilings with exposed beams. The beams were painted white to help give a sense of depth to the space, Castaldini said.

"We wanted to include the architectural features, and yet not have them stand out in a very obvious way," he said.

In addition to the shaped redwoods behind the house, the home's setting on a dead end street provides additional seclusion and privacy, he said.

"You don't have to listen to cars going past all day long."

All real estate is only as good as its location, and Castaldini, who is bullish on Bernal Heights, likes this location.

"There's a village-like feel here," he said of the neighborhood, which continues to gain popularity as buyers look for alternatives to more famous and expensive areas in San Francisco.

Holly Park and Precita Park provide outdoor play spaces, and red-tailed hawks can frequently be seen coasting above homes.

The area is also dog-friendly, Castaldini said, highlighting its appeal to both families and young professionals. Its proximity to the Cortland Avenue shopping corridor, with small markets, boutiques and restaurants, helps serve the wants and needs of its residents.